Juris Doctor

The University of Western Australia

A successful career in a demanding profession requires comprehensive training. The Juris Doctor gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to become the lawyer you want to be and a lawyer the world needs. You'll enter the competitive graduate market with an edge, with a prestigious qualification offered by institutions such as Harvard, Yale and Columbia universities.

UWA JD graduates are:

Problem solvers who have a deep practical and theoretical mastery of subject matter; are critical and creative thinkers; and understand the ways in which local, national and global contexts influence and shape the law.

Culturally competent legal professionals who have engaged throughout their degree with Indigenous knowledges, cultures and perspectives and are well equipped to work respectfully across cultural contexts.

Relationship builders who listen with empathy; communicate effectively; and create constructive and collaborative connections with colleagues, clients and communities.

Resilient and reflective learners who are adaptable thinkers; have developed skills for critical self-reflection and lifelong learning; and understand the importance of, and have developed practical tools for, managing their well-being and supporting the well-being of others.

Global citizens who understand the importance of the ethical and professional practice of law; are outward-looking in the search for solutions; and able to engage on national, transnational and international levels.

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units.

Why study this course?

Learn from the very best of the legal profession and award-winning academics recognised nationally for excellence in teaching and research.

Emphasis on practical and professional skill building and an inquiry approach to learning.

Study with high-achieving students in an inclusive environment and build lifelong friendships with a diverse and vibrant cohort of future leaders.

Very high graduate employment rates.

Comprehensive and integrated wellbeing and professionalism programs.

Be at the forefront of innovation in legal education with initiatives such as:

Indigenisation of the Juris Doctor curriculum: An Australia-first initiative that seeks to embed Indigenous knowledge, experiences and laws across the Juris Doctor.

You'll be introduced to cutting-edge technological developments in the law and in the provision of legal services.

Progressive and interesting elective offerings.

Career Pathways

Although the practice of law (lawyer, solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel or judge) is the most common career progression for law graduates, the JD also equips you to head into other areas such as politics, international relations, leadership positions and legal publishing.

Further Study

Following the JD, you can choose to study a more specialised and advanced law degree. At UWA you can undertake further study in Law, Commercial and Resources Law, International Law, Taxation Law, International Commercial Law, Mining and Energy Law and Chinese Business Law. Or, if you would like to pursue a research dissertation, you could enrol in the Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Laws or another of UWA's research degrees.